Best Campgrounds near Cibola, AZ

Cibola camping areas sit near the Arizona-California border, with several spots that work well for desert camping. Scaddan Wash BLM land has big, spread-out sites where you can camp without neighbors right on top of you. Many spots have some natural shade, which helps during hot days. At Dome Rock Road BLM area, you can camp and then walk to hiking trails that go up into the hills for good views. Keep your food locked up at night since coyotes and small desert animals will definitely check out your campsite if they smell anything. The Colorado River runs close by, so you can fish or swim after a hot day in camp. Most camping spots don't have water or trash cans, so bring what you need and pack everything out. Some of the better spots need higher clearance to reach, especially after rain. You'll see lots of cactus and desert plants around your camp. Days get really hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and something for shade. Nights in the desert are great for seeing stars since there's little light pollution. Winter is much more comfortable for camping here, with mild days and cool nights. Always look up current fire rules before you go - they change with conditions. Cibola works for both new and longtime campers who don't mind basic sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Cibola, Arizona (202)

    1. BLM Oxbow Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 317-3200

    $15 / night

    "Close to Cibola Wildlife refuge.

    Beautiful and quiet, family area.  

    Hosts are excellent and keep very clean bathrooms."

    "I met up with an old Marine buddy of mine and my 15 year old son for some camping, fishing and offroading with my friends Polaris Razr. There is a nice boat dock that is well used."

    2. Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 854-3322

    $25 - $65 / night

    "Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road, etc, disperse camping is an option. Hosts were great."

    "Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all. Smaller park. I think 44 spaces. They had laundry room I didn’t use. Sell Propane if you need it."

    3. Hippie Hole Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8373

    "Hippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails."

    "If you're looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Hippie Hole Camping Area is the perfect spot."

    4. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East

    2 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    1 mile

    "While I think you're supposed to pay to camp here, no one came around to check or collect payment. "

    5. Palo Verde County Park

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 482-4236

    "Around 18 sites w/table and fire pit, 1st come, 1st serve. $15 per night, $7.50 w/America the Beautiful Pass or $75 for a year permit good for other BLM CG's within the Yuma BLM Field office."

    6. Arizona Oasis RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Blythe, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 232-4288

    $63 - $115 / night

    "Right on the California/ AZ border, close to Blythe for groceries and restaurants. Great place for off road vehicles since you can drive to the desert trails in about 2 minutes and ride for hours."

    "The place seems in the middle of nowhere, but is right next to the Colorado River and has a nice beach area. There are a lot of facilities, a pool, hot tub, etc. Would recommend!"

    7. Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Palo Verde, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3201

    "The nearby Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and Colorado River offer a nice contrast with opportunities for wildlife spotting and cooling off by the water [https://spotiofficial.app/](https://spotiofficial.app"

    "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."

    8. The Cove RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Blythe, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-5350

    $70 - $133 / night

    "The spots are a bit tight but once we found out the parking in the front (15 steps away) was free to park in the whole time we moved our truck and had plenty of room."

    9. Destiny McIntyre RV Resort

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-8205

    10. Coon Hollow Campground

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "You can off-road , shoot, campfires and some beautiful sunrises and sunsets"

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Recent Reviews near Cibola, AZ

450 Reviews of 202 Cibola Campgrounds


  • Kindall S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    great spot for quick stay!

    not many campers so there was PLENTY of spots open. Nice and quiet, highway noise wasn’t too bad and didn’t hear the road at all. Felt pretty safe too!

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Lake Tamarisk Desert Resort

    Off season overnight stay

    Kathryn at the desk was awesome. We arrived around 3:30 after driving 375 miles. Didn’t utilized the park amenities. The pool and hot tub looked very inviting. Not much to see around Desert Center but the oasis created here was definitely worth the stop. Will reserve for our return in November

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Imperial Sand Dunes

    Hot

    Definitely a sick spot to camp especially if you have desert toys if not stop in el centro and get a trash can lid to slide down the dunes. Tons of restrooms.

  • Jesse W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Ramsey Mine Rd BLM / Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Really easy spot to get into beautiful and empty. I don’t see anyone or hear anyone at all where I’m at plenty of space for a lot of people.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Plomosa Road

    Great location

    Huge location. Plenty of room. Nice and quiet

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore

    Great spot

    Dispersed camping that is seriously unbelievable. Pull right up to the water. Fire rings around the north shore. I thought high clearance would be a must (in some spots for sure) but I did see a Camaro parked next to their tent. This is a hidden gem. There are donkeys and deer that roam the area so watch for them.

  • Jayne N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Our Very Favorite Spot

    6 months of boondocking and Plomosa Rd is our favorite. Lots of area to camp for any size rig. Everyone is well spaced out. The town of Bouse is at one end Quartzite at the other. We stayed 1/2 way between on this 23 mile road. Endless bike riding trails and very little traffic on Plomosa so riding on it works too. The little quiet town of Bouse has a Produce Stand 2 days a week for excellent fresh produce, small grocery store, and free town refuse area. You’ll have to dump in Quartzsite or 30 minutes away in Parker which has all the big stores as well. Exploring the desert and rockhounding thru old mines is perfect from this road.


Guide to Cibola

Dispersed camping near Cibola, Arizona offers access to the Colorado River and diverse desert ecosystems. The region sits at low elevation (about 200-300 feet) with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F between June and September. Winter camping brings mild 65-75°F days and cool nights in the 40s, making it popular for snowbirds seeking warmer conditions during winter months.

What to do

Bird watching at wildlife refuges: Cibola National Wildlife Refuge features extensive wetlands and farming areas that attract migratory birds. "We saw dozens of coots, plus one cormorant and a great egret," notes a visitor at Oxbow Campground, who enjoyed kayaking the 2.5-mile long lake.

River activities beyond swimming: The Colorado River offers more than just swimming opportunities. "We were able to float down the river in an inflatable raft for a day trip and drive back up w/the second car," shares a camper who stayed at Oxbow Campground, highlighting how having two vehicles enables one-way float trips.

Desert exploration: The surrounding BLM lands contain interesting historic sites. A visitor at Hippie Hole Camping Area reports: "The campground is right next to the Cibola Wildlife Preserve, making it perfect for anyone who loves nature and wildlife." Many camping areas provide direct access to off-road trails.

What campers like

Direct river access: Many camping sites near Cibola, Arizona feature private beach areas. "Pulled up and had choice of spots. Picked one right on the river with a fire pit. Spot has its own little bit of beach," writes a camper about their experience at Hippie Hole.

Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location means minimal light pollution. "The easy river access and proximity to wildlife make it ideal for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching," notes a visitor to Hippie Hole who appreciated the natural setting.

Wildlife encounters: The area attracts diverse wildlife beyond just birds. A camper at Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground mentions: "We saw some wildlife. Nice little hike in the scrub pines. Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. "The drive in is a couple miles on dirt road. Take it slow if you have to but chances are you can get there just fine!" advises a visitor to Walter's Camp.

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have minimal amenities. "This is a dry camp, but fee based. $15.00 per vehicle, per night. Or half price with a federal park pass," explains a camper at Arizona Oasis RV Resort, noting that "the nearest dump area is Blythe, CA."

Military activity: Some campsites experience regular air traffic. According to one visitor: "The only negative was that around 5 or 6 pm most evenings very loud military planes flew over. It was a bit startling the first time, but we got used to it."

Seasonal crowds: Popular camping spots fill quickly during peak season. "Heads up, this place gets packed during the warm months!" warns a reviewer about Walter's Camp.

Tips for camping with families

Safe river spots: Look for camping areas with gradual entry to the water. "The beach was great and the boat launch is right next to it," reports a visitor to The Cove RV Resort, who found the waterfront sites perfect for family use.

Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic near the river, especially at dusk. "The mosquitoes were TERRIBLE as soon as the sun began to set. Kids had so many bites from the first night we did not enjoy going out once the sun began setting," warns a family who stayed at Arizona Oasis.

Amenities for kids: Some established campgrounds offer facilities specifically for children. A camper notes The Cove RV Resort has "a basketball court, arcade type thing for the kids and adults alike."

Tips from RVers

Overnight alternatives: When traveling on I-10, consider desert camping instead of rest areas. A visitor to Wiley Wells Dispersed shares: "We stopped at Wileys Well rest area on WB I10. The hum of the freeway & idling big rigs was overwhelming." They found a quieter spot by using The Dyrt app.

Ground conditions: Be prepared for sandy areas that can challenge RV parking. "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand," advises an RVer about Wiley Wells who carried "traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."

Site spacing: Compared to commercial campgrounds, dispersed camping offers more privacy. One long-term camper explains: "There were other campers around us because we were on the river but it wasn't bad... spaced much farther away than if we'd been in a paid park."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for camping at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona?

Camping is not permitted within Cibola National Wildlife Refuge itself, as it's primarily a wildlife conservation area. However, nearby Ehrenberg Dispersed Camping follows typical BLM regulations - free camping with a 14-day limit in most areas. Take Ehrenberg-Cibola road southeast into the desert to find suitable spots. Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain is another option with similar regulations. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and maintain appropriate distance from water sources and wildlife areas.

When is the best season to camp at Cibola Wildlife Refuge between Arizona and California?

The best time to camp near Cibola Wildlife Refuge is late fall through early spring (October to March). Winter months provide mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the refuge when migratory birds are present. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making camping uncomfortable or even dangerous. Arizona Oasis RV Resort offers riverside spots with full hookups during the popular winter season, while Scaddan Wash provides dispersed camping options in the cooler months. Plan your visit during winter for the most pleasant experience and best wildlife viewing.

Where can I camp at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge?

While Cibola National Wildlife Refuge itself doesn't offer developed camping, several excellent options are nearby. Hippie Hole Camping Area is a popular boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and walking trails right next to the refuge. For a fee-based option, BLM Oxbow Campground charges $15 per vehicle nightly (half price with a federal park pass) and offers clean bathrooms maintained by hosts. Both locations provide convenient access to explore the wildlife refuge while offering different camping experiences.